External USB Storage Device Problem

I have a wierd problem, i have recently bought a Seagate Freeagent External HDD, and the issue is, not that it happens all the time but enough to get me annoyed is that when the device malfunctions the only fix is to replace the cable (USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Type mini-B). I have went through 3 cables now and really do not want to buy extra if not needed. Is there any reason to why this is happening, or is there a permanent solution to the problem.